'Nashville,' 1975, directed by Robert Altman.

'Nashville,' 1975, directed by Robert Altman.

Paramount Pictures

This savage, unflinchingly humane satire of the Music City hustle as part of the larger American pop dream is among Altmans riskiest and most entertaining masterworks. Its huge cast wanders the road to and from stardom, wallowing in corn and pathos as profundity lurks nearby. The great soundtrack demonstrates how good -- and bad -- country music can get. 4 guitars -- Ann Powers

This savage, unflinchingly humane satire of the Music City hustle as part of the larger American pop dream is among Altmans riskiest and most entertaining masterworks. Its huge cast wanders the road to and from stardom, wallowing in corn and pathos as profundity lurks nearby. The great soundtrack demonstrates how good -- and bad -- country music can get. 4 guitars -- Ann Powers (Paramount Pictures)

This savage, unflinchingly humane satire of the Music City hustle as part of the larger American pop dream is among Altmans riskiest and most entertaining masterworks. Its huge cast wanders the road to and from stardom, wallowing in corn and pathos as profundity lurks nearby. The great soundtrack demonstrates how good -- and bad -- country music can get. 4 guitars -- Ann Powers